5 The Dream Portal

CHAPTER 5

The Dream Portal The next morning a royal letter was waiting for Clara. Come to the castle as soon as you wake up! HURRY! I'll be in the kitchen. Thanks,

Lucas Chickens scattered and clucked as Clara raced out the door and down the street to meet her friend. In the royal kitchen she found Ruskin resting in a cage, munching strawberries. "What's Ruskin doing in there?" Lucas held up a finger. "I'll tell you in a sec. But first, Cook, could you please keep Ruskin's cage filled with his favorite foods? If he stops eating, send for me at once!" Cook chuckled and pulled out a large pan. "Of course, my prince! Operation: Feed the Beast

begins now." Lucas thanked Cook and waved to Clara. "We have to go to the royal library right now!" he warned. Clara watched as Lucas left the room without her. She knew that meant something big was up. As they hurried down the hallway, Lucas told Clara about his dream and how the castle had been empty except for Ruskin. He also described the mysterious hum that had come from the opening in the air.

It sounded awful to Clara. "Ruskin spoke to me in my dream," the prince explained. "And he used words—just like he did with you. He said he was in some kind of danger."

"That does seem a lot like my dream!" Clara gasped.